Safe Area vs Permanote
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Safe Area
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Safe Area Safe area is an app where you can store photos, videos, notes, drawings, or contacts secured with a password so only you can enter them. All content can be shared, you can perform a quick call/send SMS directly from the app, draw images and share them, take photos/videos and share them, record audio, write some notes and share them and all of that will be possible only after entering your password.
Permanote
This app allows writers to organize ideas and edit text files directly within Dropbox, synchronizing across devices. It offers a distraction-free writing environment and extensive customization options, with advanced features available through a Pro subscription.
- Dropbox file synchronization
- Customizable macro key strip
- Distraction-free writing mode
- Multiple file preview formats
- TextExpander support
- Customizable themes and fonts
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Writers utilize Permanote to arrange their ideas while maintaining control and flexibility over their files. Permanote enables you to modify text files in your Dropbox and synchronize them across all your devices. Enhance your experience with a customizable macro key strip above the keyboard through a Pro subscription. Unlike other text editors that impose specific themes to set the mood or require storing notes in a single folder or exclusive file system, Permanote offers you freedom. Permanote is the go-to tool for organizing thoughts among writers from the New Yorker, BBC correspondents, and CEOs. Cherish your written work. IN-APP PURCHASES Permanote is free to use, with all main features included. To access extra Pro features, opt for a Pro subscription. FEATURES - Synchronize any text file within any folder of your Dropbox - Robust macro key strip above the keyboard - Personalize your macro strip (Pro) - Editor pinch-to-zoom functionality (Pro) - Full-screen, distraction-free "Writeroom" style editing - Touch ID / Passcode privacy support (Pro) - Create custom themes (Pro) - iPad Pro Smart Keyboard shortcuts - "Insert Tab" key - Email as PDF - Adjustable word wrapping - Word/Character/Line count - International file encoding options - Convenient scratchpad - Notepad/CRLF line options - Comprehensive Dropbox Search - TextExpander Support (Pro) - Hashtag support - Preview files in PDF, HTML, Markdown, MultiMarkdown, Rich Text-RTF - Customize CSS and Base URL for markup previews - Personalize editor colors (Pro) - Alter editor fonts (Pro) - Adjust line-spacing and margins - AirPrint - Built in photo editor with advanced features for Pro users REVIEWS "I absolutely LOVE your app." - Merlin Mann, creator of 43 Folders "Permanote is arguably the best tool for writers, bloggers, or journalists who need to work on the go." - AppAdvice.com "Permanote is worth a try if you're particular about your note-taking." - geek.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Safe Area at none against Permanote's 2. Safe Area also leads on ads (none vs shown). Permanote's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Permanote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Safe Area asks for nothing beyond the download.
Safe Area ships an update every 11 months, Permanote every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Safe Area | Permanote |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 3.5 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 4 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | Every 10 months — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 10 MB | 41 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | ilan TETRUASHVILI | Screenplay & Script Pte. Ltd. |
In-app purchases
Safe Area
No in-app purchases
Permanote
- Monthly Pro Subscription7 Days trial$1.991 Month
- Annual Pro Subscription1 Month trial$17.991 Year
